DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: HUNTER BELL
HUNTER BELL, FOUNDED IN 2006 BY THE SOUTHERN BORN HUNTER BELL, IS A WOMEN’S CONTEMPORARY FASHION LINE WITH FEMININE FLAIR THAT IS RECOGNIZED FOR ITS WHIMSICAL AND FLIRTY DESIGNS. EACH COLLECTION IS FILLED WITH BOLD COLORS, UNIQUE DETAILING AND ABSTRACT PRINTS. WHETHER IT IS IN A COLOR PALETTE, A VINTAGE FABRIC, OR WOMEN ON THE STREETS OF NEW YORK, HUNTER IS ALWAYS FINDING INSPIRATION IN HER SURROUNDINGS!
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I pull inspiration from all over. Contemporary artists, architecture, travel and the buzz of New York City!
IF YOU WEREN’T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Before heading off to college, I considered majoring in Interior Design and have always loved decorating.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST PART OF RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS? THE MOST REWARDING PART?
Running a business is a challenge, and you have to be ready for anything. Learning as you go, being flexible and patient is very important, as things are always evolving. The most rewarding aspect is watching my dream come to life every day before my eyes. Sometimes, when things are hard, I have to pinch myself to put things back into perspective and remember how far this business has come
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
My schedule is absolutely crazy! One of the things I love most about this career is that things are always changing. I travel to represent the brand, and in the City I am constantly juggling design meetings, fittings, etc. But I do my best to maintain a work life balance, and making time to be with my family and friends!
WHAT IS ONE THING THAT YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
I love exercising! I’ve been taking AKT in Motion classes and I am obsessed. It’s such a hard workout, but it doesn’t feel like it because you think you’re just learning a dance routine. I do my best to eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle; it keeps me feeling great and ready for whatever comes my way!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN NYC?
How could I pick just one? ! I love going to have cocktails at Little Branch in the West Village, or dinner at the Gramercy Tavern. On a beautiful day, though, there’s nothing better than relaxing in Central Park!
WHAT IS A MOTTO / OR PERSONAL QUOTE THAT YOU LIVE BY?
“Got any rivers they say are uncrossable, got any mountains they say, “Can’t tunnel through?” We specialize in the wholly impossible, doing the things they say you can’t do”. (Song of the Panama Canal Builders)
WITH ALL OF THE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD IN THE INDUSTRY AND ALL OF YOUR KNOWLEDGE GAINED, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL YOUR 18 YEAR OLD SELF ABOUT BECOMING A DESIGNER?
Perseverance is the key ingredient. Make yourself indispensable to whomever you are working for, and you will go far. Also, attitude is everything!
BE SURE TO VISIT THE BRAND ASSEMBLY SHOP AT LORD & TAYLOR TO SHOP HUNTER BELL!